Types of CMM Machines: How to choose a CMM?

Bridge/Gantry

Bridge/Gantry CMMs are a type of CMM consisting of a bridge-like structure supporting the probe’s movement across the stage. Gantry-style CMMs are built for larger parts and are floor-mounted, while a classic “bridge” style CMM is not always floor-mounted.

Horizontal/Cantilever

Horizontal and Cantilever CMMs both use a side-mounted “arm” that moves a probe either up and down (cantilever) or side to side (horizontal) to inspect parts.

Arm

Arm-type CMMs are jointed machines that use encoders to track the angle of each joint and use math to determine where in space the probe tip is.

At KEYENCE, we offer non-conventional portable handheld CMMs that work to replace conventional CMMs. In this blog, we’ll discuss CMM options in relation to accuracy, part size, and software.

Once you have defined your measurement requirements, it's time to evaluate the features and capabilities that will help meet those needs. Consider features like speed, repeatability, and resolution. Based on your application and the level of automation required, discuss whether you need a manual, CNC, or robotic CMM.

Additionally, examine the software options available for each CMM. User-friendly software with intuitive interfaces can streamline the measurement process and improve productivity. Look for CMMs that offer software with the right mix of analysis and reporting capabilities. You want to find software that makes it easy to view and use insights from your measurement data to improve operations.

Other important features to consider include budget and ROI, sensor compatibility, and measurement accuracy. Because CMMs can vary in price, it is a good practice to look at the financial impact your equipment will have on the bottom line.

Your budget and the CMM's return on investment (ROI) can impact your choices. While it's essential to choose a CMM that meets your measurement requirements, you should consider the long-term return a great CMM can provide. Evaluate factors such as initial purchase price, improved output volume, cost savings, and more.

What is the potential ROI of investing in a high-quality CMM with advanced features and capabilities? Will the increased accuracy and productivity outweigh the higher upfront cost? Conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine the most cost-effective option for your operation.

For example, a handheld CMM is more cost-effective than a fixed, automated CMM. They take up little space, so there is no cost for building an area specifically for them. Because they are so easy to use, there is no extra cost for hiring or training technicians. These and other factors can have positive financial impacts on your operation.

When discussing CMM accuracy, we aren’t discussing whether a CMM is accurate or not; rather, how a CMM aligns with an industry’s accuracy spectrum. All CMMs are accurate, but analyzing the comparison of the accuracy is crucial for deciding which is best for you or the task at hand.

Bridge CMMs are generally used in environmentally regulated quality control rooms which require; air-conditioning for temperature and humidity control, air filters for dust and particulate control, vibration isolation equipment, and other factors for situations where high-accuracy measurements are required. It typically requires a dedicated and certified CMM programmer who has specialized training to operate the system. On the other hand, arm CMMs are also used on the production floor and are often used in cases where accessibility is a higher priority than accuracy.

Out of KEYENCE's two CMM options, the most accurate is the KEYENCE XM Series Handheld CMM. It can be used on the shop floor or in a quality room, and has a measurement range of up to 6ft, making it extremely versatile for everyday use.

Secondly, we have KEYENCE’s WM-6000 Wide Area Coordinate Measuring Machine. This CMM is ideal for anyone performing large part or equipment inspection, machine alignment, and manual measurement processes that require multiple inspectors since the WM only requires one user to measure parts up to 80 ft.

Small Parts

Do you manufacture parts that could fit in a 6ft or less area? If this resonates with you, the XM Series handheld CMM is the best CMM machine for your parts.

You can place parts directly on the stage of the KEYENCE’s XM-5000 for measurement or use the tripod and bring the XM to your parts for in-machine measurement. If you choose to use the XM stage, it has a built-in fixture plate to make it easy to secure parts quickly for inspection. Conventional bridge CMMs use an overhead probe, require a temperature-controlled clean room, and cannot be moved on the shop floor, but KEYENCE’s XM Series is a versatile CMM that can be operated anywhere needed, by anyone, making quality checks a breeze.

Large Parts

Do you measure auto body parts, aerospace equipment, or construction machines? No matter what type of large parts or equipment you measure, you’re all too familiar with the restricted measurement area, high maintenance costs, and difficulty of single-person inspection that comes with large parts. These parts can’t fit on a bridge CMM stage and are a pain to move around the shop floor, so a portable CMM is your best CMM machine option.

Portable CMM machine types are handheld and transportable across shop floor locations. These CMMs are brought to the part in which the operator touches the device probe to the part. The CMM instantaneously records measurements and creates inspection reports. KEYENCE offers a wide variety of handheld CMMs with maximum measurement ranges to suit many applications.

If you’re looking for something to handle these larger jobs, the WM Series is your best CMM machine option. The WM Series reaches a maximum measurement size of 25 m. The system can be freely moved around the shop floor, even coming with a mobile roller case for easy transportation. This enables you to travel to those large parts and equipment for measurement and inspection.

Using a CMM for comparisons with molds and castings is a common practice, but it can be time-consuming without up-to-par types of CMM software. If you’re looking to use a CMM for inspection, choosing a CMM with CAD comparison functions is an ideal choice.

All of KEYENCE’s CMMs provide CAD software, so the material or part size you’re using is the determining factor for which CMM is the best fit.